The researchers found that 58% of participants reported clinically significant sleep difficulty, with elevated, but sub-threshold, daytime sleepiness. Mean depressive affect was also elevated, but sub-diagnostic, and was positively correlated with increased age. Those scoring above the diagnostic threshold for depression had significantly more disturbed sleep quality, more daytime sleepiness, and had more problems sleeping due to restless leg syndrome, compared to patients with minimal depressive affect.

"Sleep disorders should be routinely screened for at the hemodialysis center, as they are quite prevalent," the authors write.